“First period classes at OVHS were challenged to raise money that would go to Henryville schools, teachers, and students,” OVHS English Department Chair Susan Cull said. “We called this fund raising campaign ‘Patriots Helping Hornets.’ These classes plus individual faculty members responded with contributions totaling $1,596. A doughnut party was awarded to the class that collected the most money. Ms. Jean Seger’s pre-calculus class raised $204. Runner-up was Mr. Arnold Hartman’s integrated chemistry/ physics class with a contribution of $131 in pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters and dollars.”

“Last Friday morning, students across Indiana started their day out normally. Like you, they awoke, showered, dressed, had breakfast and came to school. They met up with their friends, listened to lectures, worked on projects, and took tests. Then, after school and practices, everyone went home to begin their weekend with their family and friends. Everyone, that is, except students from Henryville, Indiana. They went home to destruction and devastation. Many Henryville students had lost their homes, their yards, their cars, and belongings. All they had were the clothes on their backs and the supplies in their backpacks.

“All first period classes at OVHS are challenged to raise money to help the Henryville Hornets. Students will need school supplies. Teachers will need teaching supplies and materials. In response to the Haiti earthquake, OVHS students raised more than $800 for earthquake relief. This time it’s closer and more personal. It could have been here. It could have been us.”

The very next day, students were shown a very powerful PowerPoint presentation about the devastation in Henryville. The announcement, coupled with the photos of devastation, struck a nerve with the OVHS students and they did all they could to help their fellow school in southern Indiana. They gathered their own loose change and even received support from their families. According to Ms. Cull, one student received a check from their grandmother in Las Vegas.

“We are proud of our students’ accomplishments, for stepping up when others need help, and for showing how big their hearts are,” Mrs. Cull noted.